Sheffield United duo Ben Osborn and Jack Robinson are told they can achieve big things at Bramall Lane

Ben Osborn and Jack Robinson should view Sheffield United’s visit to Burnley as another opportunity to cement their places in the starting eleven, manager Chris Wilder has insisted, after warning John Fleck and Jack O’Connell there are no guarantees they will be parachuted straight back into the team when they recover from injury.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match at Turf Moor, which pits Wilder’s side against another club challenging for entry into Europe next season, the 52-year-old admitted the duo’s performances during last night’s win over Tottenham Hotspur had given both him and his coaching staff serious food for thought.

Wilder’s comments were echoed by United defender George Baldock, who described Osborn and Robinson as “true professionals” during this morning’s pre-match media conference.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Flecky and O’Connell, they have been outstanding for us this season,” Wilder said. “Does losing players threaten to disrupt rhythm and consistency? Maybe.

“But what I also know is that we’ve just produced one of our best performances of the season without John Fleck and Jack O’Connell. So who is to say that Jack Robinson and Ben Osborn aren’t the new O’Connell and Fleck?”

Although Robinson has been an ever-present for United since English football returned to action last month following the Covid-19 pandemic, Osborn was making his full Premier League debut when Spurs travelled to South Yorkshire. The two men, both signed from Nottingham Forest, are set to feature again when United make the journey to Lancashire for a contest which pits seventh against 10th in the table. Burnley, who are two points behind Wilder’s squad, prepared for the contest trailing fifth-placed Manchester United by a further five.

Sean Dyche, Wilder’s opposite number in the North-West, is set to be without former United defender Matthew Lowton, Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood for the clash but hopes to welcome back Jay Rodriguez and Johan Berg Gudmonssen.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We deal with what we have to deal with,” Wilder said, describing how United source talent in the transfer market. “And we pick players up that we feel can improve our group.

Ben Osborn of Sheffield United: Robin Parker/SportimageBen Osborn of Sheffield United: Robin Parker/Sportimage
Ben Osborn of Sheffield United: Robin Parker/Sportimage

“We’ve seen what Jack can do and I’m not surprised to see Ozzy do what he did either.”

An important message: Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues. The Star is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Sheffield news and information online. Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city. Once again, thank-you. James.